Asked to choose from 10 unanswered questions about the natural world, almost a third (31pc) said whether animals use language was one of the issues they most wanted answered. The second most burning question was over how the dinosaurs died out, the poll for the launch of new TV show 'David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities' on UKTV's Eden HD channel found.

Barber parks protest

A barber says he has been placed on a council "black list" after being told off for using a megaphone to warn motorists of traffic wardens.

Andy Blackwell, a hairdresser in the Cornish town of Liskeard, has been issued with a letter from his local authority after his alerts were said to have been a threat to traffic wardens' "health and safety". Mr Blackwell (51) campaigns against rising parking fees in Liskeard.

Walk 'across' highway

American tightrope walker Nik Wallenda is set to walk on a wire 200ft above the US 41 highway in Florida without a safety harness.

The city is allowing the six-times Guinness World Record holder to perform the stunt without a tether.

Pollution hits Beijing

Extremely high pollution levels have shrouded eastern China for the second time in two weeks, forcing airlines in Beijing and elsewhere to cancel flights and prompting government warnings for residents to stay indoors.

The US embassy reported a peak level of PM2.5 – one of the worst pollutants – at 526 micrograms per cubic metre, or "beyond index", and more than 20 times higher than World Health Organisation safety levels over a 24-hour period.

Gay rights for scouts

The Boy Scouts of America may soon give sponsors of individual troops the authority to decide whether to accept gays.

Under the change being discussed, the different religious and civic groups that sponsor Scout units would be able to decide for themselves how to address the issue.

Willie Nelson on song

Willie Nelson has been presented with the first of a new award for his songwriting by fellow country star Kris Kristofferson.

He presented the 79-year-old the inaugural Kris Kristofferson Award, the Nashville Songwriters Association International new lifetime achievement award.